On Sunday morning, November 12, 250 bicyclists from the local area left from the Trek Bicycle Store of Estero at the Coconut Point Mall for a journey of 15 or 30 miles through Bonita Springs and Estero. Other than a few flats, the ride went flawlessly. Jon McLain, the mayor of the village of Estero, welcomed the riders and reaffirmed his and the Estero Village Council’s support for the building of the rail-trail.

Lots of good music, food, information and festivities followed the ride. The fundraising total keeps growing as more donations come in but we will easily clear $12,500 in our first try at this event. The ride benefitted the Friends of BERT: Bonita Estero Rail Trail , an all-volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) group dedicated to bringing the Bonita Estero Rail Trail to Lee County communities. Their mission is to generate public support and to advocate for the proposed 14.9 mile paved, multiuse pathway from Bonita Springs Road to Alico Road.

Scott Freitag, who is biking the 11,000 mile perimeter of the US to raise awareness for prostate cancer and schizophrenia joined the ride. He shared his story of cycling over 4,000 miles so far on sometimes dangerous roadways and strongly supported the building of BERT. See his website for more info and to make a donation. https://lnkd.in/dqY-SbGb

Special thanks to Trek Bike Shops Florida , OLD 41 RESTAURANT, Massage Envy – Coconut Point, Rotary Club of Estero and our other sponsors for their generous support. And extra special thanks to all of the 50+ volunteers from ride leaders and sweepers, to check in folks and food served, set up and clean up for the hard work. We love you and the ride would not have been the success it was without your support!